New head of CRDA chosen; will spearhead AC revitalization efforts

ATLANTIC CITY — The former head of redevelopment in Boston will be the new executive director of the state’s Casino Reinvestment Development Authority.

The choice of John Palmieri to head the agency responsible for taking fees from casinos and using them for development projects in the area was unveiled by Gov. Chris Christie during a press conference today at Boardwalk Hall here.

Palmieri’s appointment was the end result of a nationwide search, Christie said. The former director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority brings more than 30 years of planning and economic development to the table, according to a release prepared by the governor’s office. He will be paid $225,000 a year.

Palmieri previously served in similar roles in Hartford, Conn., and Charlotte, N.C. He is a 1972 graduate of Temple University and holds a masters degree from the University of Rhode Island.

Christie said the report of the Hanson Commission, which recommended ways to revitalize and reform the state’s gambling industry, provided a framework within which Palmieri will work to further redevelopment efforts in Atlantic City, the state’s only location for legalized casino gambling. The city’s gambling fortunes have suffered as surrounding states have brought in casino gaming and slots, expanding the options of gamblers in the area.

CRDA has been the arm through which casino fees paid to the state are funneled back into redevelopment projects. A release from the governor’s office touted several of those efforts, including widening and landscaping Martin Luther King Boulevard, improved access to the recently restarted Revel Casino project and Boardwalk façade improvements.

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About John Schoonejongen

John Schoonejongen is state editor for Gannett New Jersey newspapers. He has reported and edited at New Jersey newspapers from Salem County to Passaic County, writing about everything from state politics to lost pigs on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Born in Camden County, he still speaks with a southern New Jersey accent, much to his wife's annoyance.

One Response to New head of CRDA chosen; will spearhead AC revitalization efforts

This comment is for director john palmieri, I just would like to know why i must keep paying fee’s to crda and I can’t get my side walk re-surface in front of my place of business for the last 33 years even though i spent millions of dollars in this town that i use to believe in. Thank you

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About the Authors

Bob JordanBob Jordan has covered state, county and muncipal governments for the past 10 years. He has also covered the gaming industry and has been a sports team beat writer for NHL, NBA and major league baseball teams.E-mail Bob

John SchoonejongenJohn Schoonejongen is state editor for Gannett New Jersey newspapers. He has reported and edited at New Jersey newspapers from Salem County to Passaic County, writing about everything from state politics to lost pigs on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Born in Camden County, he still speaks with a southern New Jersey accent, much to his wife's annoyance.E-mail John

Michael SymonsMichael Symons has covered seven governors while working in Gannett's Statehouse Bureau -- a stint which actually only stretches back to 2000, but the door revolves quickly in New Jersey politics. He's co-author of the biography "Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power."E-mail Michael